Dovetailed building block

ABSTRACT

A dovetailed building block includes a block body having a regular polygonal shape having side surfaces in which dovetailed recesses and dovetailed projections are alternately formed. To join two building blocks in a transverse direction, one dovetailed projection of one building block is received in and retained by one dovetailed recess of the other building block. The building block has a simple structure and allows for assembly in a curved form to present unique three-dimensional configurations with versatile variability. Each or one of the dovetailed projections of the building block has upper and lower ends that respectively form upper and lower inclination facets so that when two building blocks are joined in a longitudinal direction, the upper and lower inclination facets of the two blocks are positioned against each other. A positioning point is formed in the dovetailed recess by the upper inclination facet to ensure firm and stable connection.

(a) TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a dovetailed building block, which comprises side surfaces in which dovetailed recesses and dovetailed projections are alternately formed so that when multiple building blocks are joined, the angles of the side surfaces allow the dovetailed projections of one building block to be set in mating engagement with the dovetailed recesses of another block for constructing a three-dimensional structure having a curved configuration exhibiting versatile variability.

(b) DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Various toys are available in the market for users to practice and improve coordination between hands and eyes. All these toys have different ways of playing and may be combined through diverse ways, making they suitable for practicing and improving the development of creativity

Building blocks are one the toys that have the greatest number of types. They are often in the forms of blocks of different geometric shapes and allow for stacking in different directions. Projections and recesses are formed on/in these building blocks to allow them to joint to each other through mating between the projections and the recesses. One of the most commonly known building blocks is LEGO® blocks, of which the feature is that a single square area is taken as a basic unit based on which expansion is made to a cube or a rectangular parallelepiped having an enlarged surface area or size. Projections (as well as counterpart recesses) are formed on the cube or the rectangular parallelepiped for jointing the blocks in a given (longitudinal) direction. However, structural strength obtained with jointing in a single direction may be poor and collapse or detachment may result. The difficult for assembling a large structure is quite apparent. And, as such, the LEGO® blocks need adjustment of directions for 90, 180, or 270 degrees to complete the assembly of a large-sized or curved structure. In addition, special accessories may be necessary for such an assembly. Further, the LEGO® blocks are designed to achieve a mating engagement between two blocks that is generally over tight, often resulting in difficulty in disassembling the blocks and requiring a large force to achieve so. This may lead to damage to the blocks. It is also known that disassembling tools are available for such disassembling operations.

Further, the conventional building blocks need to be assembled or disassembled piece by piece. Such a process of assembling or disassembling is generally time and labor consuming. Thus, further improvements are necessary.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The preset invention provides a dovetailed building block, wherein a plurality of such building blocks is joinable to each other and each of the building blocks is of a regular polygonal shape having side surfaces in which dovetailed projections and dovetailed recesses are alternately formed and top and bottom surfaces on which a post and a cavity having matching shapes are respectively formed.

To join the plurality of building blocks, the side surfaces of each of the building blocks are oriented such that one dovetailed projection of one building block is set in mating engagement with one dovetailed recess of the other one building block so that the block so joined form a three-dimensional configuration that exhibits a curve. In addition, the post and cavity of two such building blocks are engageable with each other in such a way as to allow the blocks to join each other in a longitudinal direction or through rotated connection to change the direction of assembly of additional blocks. As such, the dovetailed building block of the present invention allows for joining through connection in longitudinal and transverse directions, reversed connection, and rotated connection so that a three-dimensional configuration so formed through assembly of the blocks may present versatile variability of the configuration and exhibits excellent firmness and stability. Further, the dovetailed projections of the building block comprise upper and lower inclination facets that are formed on upper and lower ends thereof and substantially parallel and a positioning point that is defined by the dovetailed recess in combination with the upper inclination facet so that the building blocks can be stacked or connected in a transverse direction, achieving an advantage of easy assembling/disassembling and firm connection.

In summary, the present invention provides dovetailed building blocks that provide advantages of versatile variability of connection, firmness and stability of connection, and easy assembling and disassembling, and that have a simple structure and are not easy to damage so as to effectively improve the deficiencies of the prior art.

The foregoing objectives and summary provide only a brief introduction to the present invention. To fully appreciate these and other objects of the present invention as well as the invention itself, all of which will become apparent to those skilled in the art, the following detailed description of the invention and the claims should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Throughout the specification and drawings identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar parts.

Many other advantages and features of the present invention will become manifest to those versed in the art upon making reference to the detailed description and the accompanying sheets of drawings in which a preferred structural embodiment incorporating the principles of the present invention is shown by way of illustrative example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a building block according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing regular connection of the building blocks of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing the building blocks of the present invention joined through regulation connection.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing rotated connection of the building blocks of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing the building blocks of the present invention joined through rotated connection.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing reversed connection of the building blocks of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing the building blocks of the present invention joined through reversed connection.

FIG. 5 illustrates four embodiments of the building blocks of the present invention, which are, in sequence from top of the drawing to the bottom, a regular hexagonal block, a regular octagonal block, a regular decagonal block, and a regular dodecagonal block.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating joining connection among decagonal blocks of the present invention that have different heights.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a building block according to a different embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a partial enlarged view showing a building block according to a different embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7B is a schematic view illustrating an inclination facet of a building block according to a different embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7C is a schematic view illustrating joining connection of building blocks according to a different embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view of a different embodiment of the present invention taken along line A-A.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating joining connection of building blocks according to a different embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of a different embodiment of the present invention taken along line B-B.

FIG. 8B is a partial enlarged view of section B-B of a different embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following descriptions are exemplary embodiments only, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

According to the present invention, the best available embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings to provide better understanding of the present invention. The present invention is a dovetailed building block, which, as shown in FIGS. 1-4A, is building block (1) having a regular hexagonal configuration. The hexagonal configuration is a desired shape because the hexagonal shape allows for joining connection of two blocks with no gap therebetween. The block (1) has side surfaces (13), in which dovetailed recesses (11) and dovetailed projections (12) are alternately formed so that the side surfaces (13) respectively exhibit projecting and recessing configurations. The alternate arrangement adopted here is to have the dovetailed recesses (11) and the dovetailed projections (12) on the side surfaces (13) equal in number to each other. This indicates that the present invention is applicable, to the minimum number of side surfaces, to a quadrilateral, and the side surfaces may be selected as desired to meet any practical requirements for the maximum number of side surfaces. When a number of such building blocks are joined, one of the dovetailed projections (12) of one block (1) is set in mating engagement with one of the dovetailed recesses (11) of another block (1) to achieve connection of the blocks (1) in a transverse direction. The hexagonal configuration or shape provides each side surface with an adjustment angle (A1) of 60 degrees so that rotated connection can be achieved with such a building block (1) for joining with an assembled structure of blocks of the present invention to provide a three-dimensional configuration having a desired curve (B). The building block (1) has a top surface on which a post (14) is formed; and the building block (1) has a bottom surface in which an open cavity (15) is formed to correspond in shape and position to the post (14). To join a number of such building blocks (1), the post (14) of one block may be fit into and in retaining engagement with the cavity (15) of another block so that the building blocks (1) may be joined in a longitudinal direction, allowing multiple building blocks (1) to be connected together to provide a secured and stable three-dimensional configuration.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 3A, six building blocks (1) are shown connected, in a stacked manner, to form a two-level three-dimensional configuration, in which the building block (1) that is shown in phantom lines can be connected to the assembled structure of the remaining blocks through mating engagement between the post (14) and the cavity (15). In this example, the blocks of the assembled structure and the phantom-line block are both hexagonal so that the phantom-line block (1) can be first rotated and then joined to the assembled structure so that the direction in which additional building blocks joined thereto may be changed. Since the angle of a hexagon is (N−2)*180 degrees=720 degrees, each internal angle being 120 degrees. Considering the sum of internal angles of a triangle, angular adjustment can proceed with 60 degrees for each step. The present invention is not limited to a hexagonal configuration and change to any regular polygon can be made as desired. Taking a regular octagon as an example, then (N−2)*180 degrees=1080 degrees and each internal angle is 135 degrees. Considering the sum of internal angles of a triangle, angular adjustment can be conducted with 45 degrees for each step. Further taking a regular dodecagon as an example, then (N−2)*180 degrees=1800 degrees and each internal angle is 150 degrees. Considering the sum of internal angles of a triangle, angular adjustment can be conducted with 30 degrees for each step. These examples are provided to illustrate that when the building blocks (1) are joined or connected in a transverse direction for transverse connection, change of the angular positions thereof may be made through rotation so as to achieve versatile variability thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 4A, six building blocks (1) are shown connected, in a stacked manner, to form a two-level three-dimensional configuration. Due to the mutual retaining engagement achievable between the dovetailed recess (11) and the dovetailed projection (12), a phantom-line building block (1) is connectable to an assembled structure of blocks in a reversed manner. FIG. 5 shows examples of the building block in the form of a regular hexagonal block, a regular octagonal block, a regular decagonal block, and a regular dodecagonal block, respectively, to each of which the process of joining and stacking described above is applicable. As shown in FIG. 6, various modifications may be taken, wherein for example, the height of the building block (1), the post (14) and the cavity (15), and a through bore (17) may be changed and increased/decreased as desired for practical needs, allowing for more diverse ways of assembling or joining. It can be understood from the above description that the present invention allows for normal transverse and longitudinal connection, rotated connection, and reversed connection, which can be alternately and/or additionally used for joining the building blocks so that versatile variability of the building block (1) according to the present invention may be achieved, and flexibility of assembling the building blocks for building unique three-dimensional structures may also be provided.

In a different embodiment according to the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 7-7D, a building block (1) is provided, which comprises a through bore (17) formed in a center thereof and extending in an axial direction. The arrangement of the bore (17) allows for connection to be made to a shape-corresponding pillar-like or bar-like coupling section to achieve more diversified ways of connection or joining between the blocks. In addition, one or each of the dovetailed projections (12) of one building block may be provided an upper inclination facet (121) and a lower inclination facet (122) respectively on an upper end and a lower end thereof in the axial direction, wherein the two inclination facets (121, 122) are substantially parallel. In the drawings, an angle of 60 or 90 degrees is taken as an example for illustration, but the present invention is not limited to such angles. With such an arrangement, when building blocks (1) are stacked in a longitudinal direction, the upper inclination facet (121) of a lower block is closely positionable against the lower inclination facet (122) of an upper block so that the blocks (1) exhibit a connected configuration.

Referring to FIGS. 8-8B, in stacking the building blocks (1) in a longitudinal direction, in addition to the inclination facets (121, 122) of the blocks being closely positioned against each other, the lower end of the dovetailed recess (11) of an upper block (1) matches the upper inclination facet (121) of another block (1) to form a positioning point (2), which prevents the blocks (1) from separation from each other due to a force applied thereto in a transverse direction. The positioning point (2), when increased in number with that of the building blocks (1) involved in an assembled structure, in combination with the upper and lower inclination facets (121, 122) of the blocks, ensures the accomplishment of a firm and stable structure that may be of a unique or extraordinary configuration.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above.

While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claim, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the claims of the present invention. 

1. (canceled)
 2. (canceled)
 3. (canceled)
 4. (canceled)
 5. (canceled)
 6. (canceled)
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. A dovetailed building block, comprising: a block body that has a regular hexagonal configuration having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, and exactly six side surfaces connecting the top surface and the bottom surface; each of said six side surfaces having a flat plane; said six side surfaces being sequentially composed of a first side surface, a second side surface, a third side surface, a fourth side surface, a fifth side surface and a sixth side surface; each of the first side surface, the third side surface and the fifth side surface being respectively provided with exactly one dovetailed recess located right in a middle thereof without any dovetailed projection being provided thereon; each of the second side surface, the fourth side surface and the sixth side surface being respectively provided with exactly one said dovetailed projection located right in a middle thereof without any said dovetailed recess being provided thereon; the dovetailed recesses and the dovetailed projections each having an isosceles trapezoidal configuration corresponding to each other; wherein one of the dovetailed projections of one of the building blocks is receivable in and retained by one of the dovetailed recesses of the other one of the building blocks to achieve a three-dimensional configuration; wherein the block body further comprises a post formed on the top surface thereof and a cavity formed in the bottom surface thereof, the post having a surface area receivable in and engageable with a surface area of the cavity so as to achieve firm connection of at least two building blocks in a transverse direction; wherein the post and the cavity are regular hexagons.
 11. The dovetailed building block according to claim 10, wherein the dovetailed projection comprises an upper inclination facet, a lower inclination facet, and a positioning point, the upper inclination facet being formed on an upper end of the dovetailed projection, the lower inclination facet being formed on a lower end of the dovetailed projection, the upper inclination facet and the lower inclination facet being substantially parallel, whereby when a plurality of the building blocks is joined in a longitudinal direction, the upper inclination facet and the lower inclination facet of the building blocks are positioned against each other, the dovetailed recess defining, in combination with the upper inclination facet, at least one positioning point that achieves firm connection of the building block in both transverse and longitudinal directions.
 12. The dovetailed building block according to claim 10, wherein when the building blocks are stacked in a longitudinal direction, joining of the building blocks is achievable through adjustment of angular positions of the post and the cavity by a multiple of 60 degrees.
 13. An assembly of dovetailed building blocks, comprising: a first dovetailed building block and a second dovetailed building block; each of the dovetailed building blocks comprising: a block body that has a regular hexagonal configuration having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, and exactly six side surfaces connecting the top surface and the bottom surface; each of said six side surfaces having a flat plane; said six side surfaces being sequentially composed of a first side surface, a second side surface, a third side surface, a fourth side surface, a fifth side surface and a sixth side surface; each of the first side surface, the third side surface and the fifth side surface being respectively provided with exactly one dovetailed recess located right in a middle thereof without any dovetailed projection being provided thereon; each of the second side surface, the fourth side surface and the sixth side surface being respectively provided with exactly one said dovetailed projection located right in a middle thereof without any said dovetailed recess being provided thereon; the dovetailed recesses and the dovetailed projections each having an isosceles trapezoidal configuration corresponding to each other; wherein one of the dovetailed projections of one of the building blocks is receivable in and retained by one of the dovetailed recesses of the other one of the building blocks to achieve a three-dimensional configuration; wherein the block body further comprises a post formed on the top surface thereof and a cavity formed in the bottom surface thereof, the post having a surface area receivable in and engageable with a surface area of the cavity so as to achieve firm connection of the building blocks in a transverse direction; wherein the post and the cavity are regular hexagons; wherein the top surface of the first dovetailed building block is exactly the same size with the top surface of the second dovetailed building block, however, a height defined between the top surface and the bottom surface of the first dovetailed building block is different from the other height defined between the top surface and the bottom surface of the second dovetailed building block.
 14. The assembly of dovetailed building blocks according to claim 13, wherein the dovetailed projection comprises an upper inclination facet, a lower inclination facet, and a positioning point, the upper inclination facet being formed on an upper end of the dovetailed projection, the lower inclination facet being formed on a lower end of the dovetailed projection, the upper inclination facet and the lower inclination facet being substantially parallel, whereby when a plurality of the building blocks is joined in a longitudinal direction, the upper inclination facet and the lower inclination facet of the building blocks are positioned against each other, the dovetailed recess defining, in combination with the upper inclination facet, at least one positioning point that achieves firm connection of the building block in both transverse and longitudinal directions.
 15. The assembly of dovetailed building blocks according to claim 13, wherein when the building blocks are stacked in a longitudinal direction, joining of the building blocks is achievable through adjustment of angular positions of the post and the cavity by a multiple of 60 degrees. 